Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 02-06-03

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

Monday, 3 June 2002

CONTENTS

• [01] Cypriot MP: There is no "embargo" against the Turkish Cypriots
• [02] Increase of the VAT rate and the consumption tax rate of cigarettes
• [03] The President of the Republic of Cyprus in Denmark

[01] Cypriot MP: There is no "embargo" against the Turkish Cypriots

In his opening speech, the Head of the Delegation, Mr Doros Christodoulides, stated, inter alia, that the submission of the draft resolution had been made at the instigation of Denktash/s regime and Ankara.

Following a coordinated effort and cooperation between the Delegation of the House, the President of the House, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Legal Service of the Republic and the Ministry of Commerce, we have achieved to convince the Presidency of the Parliamentary Assembly not to allow the discussion of the issue and its relegation to the Committee as was requested by the 35 MPs, he said. The decision of the Presidency was taken unanimously and our argumentation that there is no embargo against the Turkish Cypriots was accepted, Mr Christodoulides concluded.

[02] Increase of the VAT rate and the consumption tax rate of cigarettes

The increased VAT rate of 13 % will be applied by the 1st of July 2002 so that all parties affected will be given ample time to make the necessary changes.

[03] The President of the Republic of Cyprus in Denmark

In a statement to the press before his departure, President Clerides said that this visit is of great importance because Denmark will be taking over the EU Presidency after Spain, therefore, the issues to be discussed will be related to Cyprus' accession course.

Replying to press questions concerning statements made by the Turkish Foreign Minister, the President of the Republic stated that what is important is whether Ankara would change or not its stance.

Concerning Mr Denktash's statement that the chapter on "security" would be completed in the next meeting, Mr Clerides stated that this chapter is under discussion and it cannot be said with certainty whether it would be completed or not. However, he added, there is indication that convergence on the issue would be achieved.

Answering a question on a statement made by the Danish Prime Minister, i.e. that one of the problems the Danish Presidency would have to deal with would be the possibility of a divided Cyprus joining the EU, President Clerides stated that just like Poland would be included in the next EU enlargement following Germany's persistence, Cyprus would also be included since all parties involved were aware that the Greek Parliament would not vote for the EU's enlargement unless Cyprus would be included.

The President of the Republic commenting on a question regarding the Turkish troops and Turkey's presence on the island, stated that the whole of Europe and as well as all foreign leaders visiting the island were aware that Mr Denktash/s policy in Cyprus was formulated by Ankara.

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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